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DictionaryalcoholicAlcohol-related
adjective / noun

alcoholic

Containing or associated with alcohol.

The restaurant offers both alcoholic drinks and fruit juices.

Etymology
alcoholArabicpowdered antimony
+icEnglishrelating to

Arabic al-kuḥl named a fine cosmetic powder. The word broadened to refined or distilled substances and eventually the spirit in drinks; -ic describes something containing or associated with that alcohol.

More examples

  • Yeast drives alcoholic fermentation in the brewing tank.
  • The support group welcomes anyone who identifies as an alcoholic.
  • The policy prohibits alcoholic beverages in the public swimming area.

Forms

alcoholic · alcoholics

alcoholism noun — A condition involving dependence on alcohol.

Similar words

intoxicating
Emphasizes the capacity to impair rather than the ingredient itself.
alcohol-dependent
Specifically describes dependence rather than the presence of alcohol.